Ashen Chapter: The Massacre at B’Gor
Narrative Overview
The Ashen of Haven are survivors in every sense of the word, living on the knife’s edge of existence in
the Ashlands. When reports of an entire Ashen settlement being wiped out reach Haven, its leaders are
thrown into turmoil. B’Gor was not just a neighbor; it was a crucial trading partner and ally. Worse, the
nature of the massacre—marked by unnatural terror and mutilation—has everyone on edge.
The Ashen must investigate the destruction of B’Gor, contend with the opportunistic warlords who seek
to exploit the chaos, and uncover the first clues of a monstrous threat. This chapter introduces players
to the harsh realities of the Wastes and the difficult choices Ashen survivors must make to retain their
humanity.
Scene 1: The Aftermath
Opening Narrative
The air in Haven is tense. News spreads like wildfire: B’Gor has fallen. Survivors tell tales of shadows in
the night, of fear that drove strong men to madness and left even children defenseless. Mayor Lira Dael
calls an emergency council meeting, demanding answers.
The players are present as trusted Ashen leaders or survivors, tasked with investigating what happened
to B’Gor. Supplies are low, tensions are high, and the Wastes are more dangerous than ever.
Objectives
Investigate the destruction of B’Gor.
Prepare Haven for potential raids by opportunistic warlords.
Maintain morale among Haven’s citizens.
Complications
Fear spreads quickly among Haven’s populace, making organization difficult.
Reports of warlords moving closer to Haven suggest a raid is imminent.
Key NPCs
Mayor Lira Dael: A pragmatic leader struggling to balance survival with compassion.
Tarek Gorran: A grizzled warband leader offering “protection” to Haven in exchange for steep tribute.
Scene 2: Into the Ashlands
Opening Narrative
The journey to B’Gor is treacherous. Ash storms whip across the barren landscape, and the eerie silence
of the Wastes only heightens the tension. The settlement, once a bustling trading hub, now lies in ruins.
The players must piece together what happened and prepare for whatever dangers still linger.
Objectives
Examine the remains of B’Gor for clues about the massacre.
Survive environmental hazards, including ash storms and collapsing structures.
Defend against scavengers and mutated predators drawn to the carnage.
Clues at B’Gor
Deep claw marks in the walls suggest something inhuman was responsible.
A torn journal entry reads: “The shadows moved… but they had no shape.”
Corpses are missing their hearts, all removed post-mortem.
Complications
A scavenger band arrives, seeking to loot B’Gor for supplies.
Signs of the Scarecrow’s presence intensify, as players begin to feel a creeping sense of unease.
Key Mechanics
Survival Checks: Navigate ash storms and avoid structural collapse.
Insight Checks: Piece together clues from the ruins.
Combat Encounters: Fend off scavengers and predators.
Scene 3: The Warlords’ Advance
Opening Narrative
As the players return to Haven with their findings, they discover it under threat. Tarek Gorran’s warband
has arrived, demanding tribute in exchange for protection. The warlord is not bluffing—his forces are
well-armed and ready to burn Haven to the ground.
The players must decide whether to negotiate with Gorran, rally Haven’s defenders to fight back, or use
their newfound knowledge of the Scarecrow to turn the warband’s attention elsewhere.
Objectives
Defend Haven from Tarek Gorran’s warband.
Maintain morale and prevent panic among the citizens.
Use the information from B’Gor to buy time or leverage against the warlord.
Complications
Haven’s defenders are poorly equipped and low on morale.
Gorran’s forces include deserters from the Covenant, armed with superior technology.
Key Mechanics
Negotiation: Use Communicating skills to broker a deal or stall for time.
Combat: Engage in a desperate defense of Haven.
Leadership: Rally Haven’s defenders, using Will + Insight to inspire them.
Chapter End
Resolution
The Ashen players leave this chapter with critical knowledge of the Scarecrow’s existence and the
realization that this is no ordinary threat. Haven remains intact—if barely—but tensions are rising.
Warlords circle like vultures, and fear of the unknown grows stronger. The Ashen must prepare for
what’s to come while holding onto their humanity in a world that demands its sacrifice.
